Clinical assessment is an important part of paediatric nursing whether you work in a primary, secondary or tertiary facility.

Would you like to increase your knowledge and skills to more confidently perform a clinical assessment on children of all ages?

Then consider applying for our Essentials of a Paediatric Clinical Assessment short course! 

Calendar

 

Course dates: 

  • This course is 10 weeks long and offered twice a year.
  • Next course dates: 14 September 2026 - 24 November 2026
  • Applications are now open and will close on the 24th April 2026.

 

People

 

Admission requirements: All applicants need to:

  • Have completed basic nurse training and be registered with the South African Nursing Council (or equivalent) as a Professional Nurse.
  • Be working in a setting (primary, secondary or tertiary) that may assess children.
  • Whilst completion of a 16-week Essentials course (Child, Newborn or Critically Sick Child) is not an entry requirement, we reserve the right to preferentially award places to those working in a hospital setting who have previously completed such a course with competence. 

 

Online

 

 

Course format:
The courses are all offered FULLY ONLINE asynchronously through Amathuba (UCT’s learning management system).

This means that: 

  • There is no need to be in class, or even online, at any set time in the week. The course can be completed at a time to suit the participant, scheduled around other family/work/life commitments.
  • Each participant requires easy and regular access to a computer (not just a smartphone) and a reliable, strong internet connection.

All courses are offered in English only.

Clock

Lessons:

  • A new lesson is released each week, on a Monday at 08h00 and will require approx. 4 hours of work.
  • Each lesson consists of a set of learning activities and one assignment which is due the following Tuesday.
  • Learning activities and assignments will commonly require engagement with children, families and clinical staff. 
Certificate

UCT Certification of Completion: awarded to those who complete all learning activities and assignments to an adequate standard.

All courses are registered with the Continuing Education Unit (CEU) at UCT. As soon as is viable, they will be registered for South African Nursing Council Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points. The courses do not carry any academic credit but are designed at a National Qualifications Framework (NQF) level 7.

For more information about course learning outcomes and content:

Essentials Paediatric Clinical Assessment Course Outline

Coins

Fees: R5,340 (Includes full online access to course material and support from Specialist Children’s Nurse Educators).

N.B. If offered a place, FULL payment is required within approx. 4 weeks of the closing date. Failure to make payment by this date will result in loss of your place on the course.

A limited number of bursaries are available: 

How to apply for Essentials Course Bursaries

To apply

Apply:

  • We encourage you to apply as soon as the advert for each intake is released. Places on the course are limited and offered on a ‘first come, first served’ basis.

Apply now

Disclaimer statement: This course serves to introduce nurses working with children to essential knowledge and skills. An assessment of clinical skills competence in the participant’s clinical setting is recommended.